This article is part of Choosing best handpan
The key of a handpan, also known as tuning, scale or tone scale, determines the mood of the sound. And it is very diverse. There are an awful lot of keys: cheerful, dreamy, meditative, lively, exotic, etc.
The key is determined by the combination of the different tones present on the handpan. The choice starts with the fundamental, also known as the key. This can range from F2 (a very low and deep tone) to a G3 (a high and sparkling fundamental). The different keys alone make a clear difference.
Based on the keynote, the handpan is tuned. The way this tuning is constructed determines the final key. These can be divided into minor, major, Eastern and African. Within these categories, there are again different options. Below we tell you more about each key.
NOTE: Handpans are offered at very low prices which seems very attractive, but these handpans usually have only 6 or 7 tones and unattractive tuning. Most people these days opt for a D-minor handpan with nine pitches.
Minor keys at handpans
Minor is the most common key in handpans. Minor is known for its open character. You can play in such a way that the sounds sound more melancholic, but you can just as easily create a more cheerful character. This makes minor a fine and diverse key, which you can play in all directions.
Kurd/Annaziska (Aeolian)
This is the most neutral form of minor. The tonal structure corresponds to the minor scale as you would learn it on a piano, for example. It is a fine compact tone structure, with many harmonic possibilities. If the key (root) is a C or C# then this key is called Annaziska. With all other keys, it is called Kurd. To make it even more complicated, this key is also called Aeolian.
Celtic Minor/Amara
This key has a slightly larger range than Kurd/Annaziska. For this, one note of the scale is skipped, namely the sixth note in the minor scale. This choice leads to a nice balance between low and high notes. A fine key for the player who wants to play both harmonically and melodically. If the key (root) is a C or C#, this key is called Amara. For all other keys, it is called Celtic Minor.
Mystic
This is the minor variation with the greatest range. The notes are mostly chosen around the fundamental of the instrument. This gives a quiet and calm sound, with less emphasis on harmonic complexity and more on homogeneous atmosphere. Mystic is a fine tuning for the player who wants to play mainly melodically and focus on atmosphere.
Major keys at handpans
Majeur is known for a more cheerful, upbeat character. With the handpan, which has a lovely character of its own, this results in a peaceful and calm sound.
Paradiso
This is a nice open key, with a fine balance between the lower and higher notes of the major scale. Paradiso is a pleasantly neutral rendering of major. Suitable for the player who wants to set a peaceful mood, playing harmonically as well as melodically.
Aegean (Lydian)
This is a lydian scale. The focus is a bit more on the lower notes. Combined with the lydian character, this leads to a nice dreamy and warm sound. Lydian has something mysterious about it. This tuning is suitable for any player who wants to explore the dreamy side of this instrument in addition to regular playing.
Oxalis
Oxalis is a major variation that focuses more on the high range. It is a sparkling, fresh sound that produces an upbeat character. Oxalis is especially suitable for the player looking for a tuning with cheerful light moods. This key is virtually unheard of.
Oriental tones at handpans
Besides major and minor - the norm in Western music - there are also keys that have their origins in other cultures. These can be sounds from the Middle East as well as Asia.
Hijaz
Named after an area in Saudi Arabia, this key has a Middle Eastern character. Its phrygian structure creates a mystical and atmospheric sound, with a strong oriental character.
Saladin
This key owes its name to a Syrian general. This key is similar to Hijaz, but focuses a bit more on the higher notes. Like Hijaz, it has a mystical and atmospheric sound, but the higher notes make it a little lighter and more lilting.
Harmonic Minor
This key forms a middle ground between the Western minor and the Eastern Hijaz/Saladin sound. It is a key that does have Middle Eastern traits, but these are less present than with the other keys within this Eastern segment.
Akebono
Akebono is a key with Japanese roots, named after a famous Sumo wrestler. It is a pentatonic scale, meaning the five best-fitting notes are chosen to shape this scale. Akebono gives an atmospheric sound with a typical Japanese character.
African keys at handpans
African music, in addition to harmony and melody, often consists of strong rhythmic patterns. A key with an open character suits this well. These keys are still ‘young’ within the handpan world.
Pygmy
This tuning stands out because the hand pan can be played in two keys. This gives a more floating character, where you can easily create different moods. A nice open key for a playing style that allows you to go in all directions.
Dwarf
This tuning is similar to Pygmy, but in this variation the bass note is lowered. This gives a more grounded and deeper character. The tones around the middle are the same as Pygmy, and again you will find the same floating atmospheric character.
